Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church (Diocese of Arlington)
| Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Transfiguration of the Lord |
| Venerated Saints: | Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Saint Joseph, Saint Melkite Martyrs |
| Diocese: | Eparchy of Newton |
| Deanery: | |
| Address: | 8501 Lewinsville Road, McLean, VA 22102 |
| Coordinates: | 38.9389, -77.1778 |
| City: | McLean, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | https://holytransfiguration.org/ |
| Founded: | 1977 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | office@holytransfiguration.org |
Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church is a parish of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in the Eparchy of Newton, located in McLean, Virginia. Dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord—the event on Mount Tabor where Christ revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John (Matthew 17:1–8; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36)—the parish celebrates the Byzantine Rite in full communion with the Holy See. It serves a community drawn from various Eastern Christian backgrounds and converts, offering liturgies in English with some Arabic and Greek.
Established in 1977 as a mission and elevated to parish status in 1980, Holy Transfiguration initially held Divine Liturgies in rented spaces before dedicating its current church building in 1994. As of December 19, 2025, the parish continues to provide the full cycle of Byzantine liturgical services, faith formation, and outreach ministries.
The parish community lives the Eastern Christian tradition of theosis (divinization) through participation in the mysteries (sacraments) and contemplation of Christ's Transfiguration as the foretaste of glorified humanity.
History
Holy Transfiguration began as a mission in 1977 under the Melkite Eparchy of Newton to serve Eastern Catholics in the Washington metropolitan area.[1]
Divine Liturgies were initially celebrated in Roman Rite churches and rented halls. The community purchased land in McLean in 1986, with the current Byzantine-style church dedicated in 1994.[2]
The parish has grown under various pastors, maintaining fidelity to the Melkite tradition while adapting to an English-speaking context.
Special features
- Full celebration of the Byzantine liturgical cycle, including daily services when possible
- Iconography and chant characteristic of the Melkite Greek Catholic tradition
- Outreach and faith formation programs introducing Eastern Christianity
Relics
According to Eastern Catholic tradition, the altar table (holy table) is consecrated with chrism and typically contains deposited relics of martyrs, as required by canon law for fixed altars. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources.
Architecture
The church building, dedicated in 1994, features Byzantine architectural elements including a central dome, iconostasis, and layout suited to Eastern liturgical practice.
Art and devotional features
The interior is adorned with a traditional iconostasis separating the sanctuary
- ↑ "Parish History". Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church. https://holytransfiguration.org/about-us/parish-history.
- ↑ "Parish History". Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church. https://holytransfiguration.org/about-us/parish-history.